How to Have Your Voice Heard

The Minneapolis City Council welcomes public participation in the local decision-making process. In fact, by participating in government processes, you are making an important difference—because you are alerting your elected officials that you are watching, and they are accountable.

Still, every constituent and every type of advocacy group, association, nonprofit organization, and corporation and business interest are competing for the time and attention of elected officials. Elected officials have a limited amount of time, energy, and resources to expend on issues. Therefore, it is important to understand the best ways of connecting with your Council Member and how to best advocate for your issue or position.

There are several ways your voice can be heard; use the links below for more information. See also Tips for Effective Communications for helpful recommendations on connecting with your Council Member.

In Person

Council Members make time to meet with their constituents. But, their time is limited—so be prepared and make the most of the time you have. For the most part, ward offices maintain public hours at City Hall between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, not including holidays. Many Council Members keep “open hours” in their ward in order to meet and interact with constituents. It is always helpful (and a good strategy) to confirm an appointment in advance.

Contact the ward office to schedule an appointment.

Ward

Council Member

Phone

1

Kevin Reich

(612) 673-2201

2

Cam Gordon

(612) 673-2202

3

Jacob Frey

(612) 673-2203

4

Barbara A. Johnson

(612) 673-2204

5

Blong Yang

(612) 673-2205

6

Abdi Warsame

(612) 673-2206

7

Lisa Goodman

(612) 673-2207

8

Elizabeth Glidden

(612) 673-2208

9

Alondra Cano

(612) 673-2209

10

Lisa Bender

(612) 673-2210

11

John Quincy

(612) 673-2211

12

Andrew Johnson

(612) 673-2212

13

Linea Palmisano

(612) 673-2213

By Phone

Ward office keep tally sheets on policy proposals, controversial topics, and other matters that are then provided to the Council Member. Aides generally lump calls into “pro” and “con” categories, giving their Council Member an instant poll on a particular topic.

Keep these tips in mind for effective phone contacts.

DO indicate if you are a constituent of the Council Member early in the conversation. Also, if you are part of an association or organization, be sure to pass that along as well.

DO indicate the specific proposal or subject matter that prompts your call. Don’t make staffers guess.

DO provide a mailing address or an email where you may be contacted, in case there is any follow-up.

DO be polite. You have the right to express your position and preferences on issues; you do not have the right to harass or intimidate staffers.

Ward

Council Member

Phone

1

Kevin Reich

(612) 673-2201

2

Cam Gordon

(612) 673-2202

3

Jacob Frey

(612) 673-2203

4

Barbara A. Johnson

(612) 673-2204

5

Blong Yang

(612) 673-2205

6

Abdi Warsame

(612) 673-2206

7

Lisa Goodman

(612) 673-2207

8

Elizabeth Glidden

(612) 673-2208

9

Alondra Cano

(612) 673-2209

10

Lisa Bender

(612) 673-2210

11

John Quincy

(612) 673-2211

12

Andrew Johnson

(612) 673-2212

13

Linea Palmisano

(612) 673-2213

By Mail

Council Members and their staffers use constituent correspondence to gauge public opinion on various policy proposals and events within their wards.

Correspondence which pertains to matters pending before the City Council or one (or more) of its Standing Committees, and which you want to be included in the public record of that matter, can be mailed to the individual Council Member at:

QUICK LINKS

Accessibility: For reasonable accommodations or alternative formats, contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users can call 612-673-2157 or 612-673-2626.